Bill S.1587
188th (2013 - 2014)

An Act promoting zero net-energy buildings in the Commonwealth

By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1587) of James B. Eldridge and David M. Rogers for legislation to promote zero net-energy buildings in the Commonwealth. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

SECTION 1. Chapter 143 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2010 Official Edition, is hereby amended in Section 94 by striking subsection (o) in its entirety and inserting in place thereof the following new subsection:-

(o) To establish a zero net energy building standard for new residential construction by January 1st, 2020 and a zero net energy building standard for new commercial construction by January 1st 2030. The board shall implement residential and commercial zero net energy building regulations as part of the state building code, together with any more stringent energy efficiency provisions that the board, in consultation with the department of energy resources, concludes are warranted. The residential and commercial zero net energy building standards shall incrementally increase the energy efficiency of all new construction beginning with a 30% increase in efficiency below the most recent international energy conservation code, as developed by the International Code Council.

SECTION 2. Said chapter 143 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby further amended in Section 94 by inserting after subsection (r) the following new subsection:-

(s) To establish two definitions, in consultation with the department of energy resources and after sufficient time for public input, one for “residential zero net-energy buildings,” to be established by January 1st, 2015, and one for “commercial zero net energy buildings,” to be established by January 1st, 2016. The definitions shall take into account zero net energy building definitions established in other states or municipalities and the current and anticipated climate of Massachusetts. Further, the definitions shall be designed to ensure that all zero net energy buildings generate as much renewable electricity, as defined in the state renewable electricity standard, through on-site, or a reasonably proximate, approved, off-site location, as the building consumes over the course of one calendar year.

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